Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but symptoms of blocked and overflowing gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your home's foundation
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that lead to overflow and water spilling over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
When choosing an installation company, look for one with extensive experience and knowledge about various brands and guard types. A company with experience will understand how to measure and fit gutter guards for your specific needs. Check a company's years of experience and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Check that the companies you're considering have valid licenses, bonding, general liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. This shields you in case of any injury or accident that could arise. Ask potential providers for current licensing and insurance papers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that offer highly reputable gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that offer only generic no-name guards or their own off-brands, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be sized and trimmed on-site to fit your gutters. Choose a company that takes specific measurements and does custom cutting for guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Accurately fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard installers often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover clogs, rust, leaks, and other defects. Before picking a provider, closely inspect its warranty terms for workmanship and materials guarantees. Warranties are the most effective way to protect your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to look at online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to learn about customer experiences. Ask neighbors to recommend quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend opting for companies with a track record of consistently good feedback instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six primary types of gutter guards are as follows:
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. The foam collects debris and keeps it out of your gutter. On average, you can expect to spend $2.44 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are precisely what they sound like: large brush bristles that sit in your gutters to block debris while letting water through. Brush guards cost roughly $4.01 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while blocking debris. On average, you can expect to pay $3.69 per linear foot for screen guards.
- Mesh guards have smaller holes than screen guards and similarly catch debris while letting water filter through. Mesh gutter guards are durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sit on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $3.59 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards, letting even less debris through than mesh. These guards are very effective. On average, you can expect to pay $4.71 per linear foot for micro-mesh guards.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to let debris slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to spend $2.74 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
